Uchumi Supermarkets has reopened two branches in Nairobi, signalling a cautious return to Kenya’s retail market after years of financial and operational challenges.
The retailer has relaunched outlets at Unicity Mall along Thika Road near Kenyatta University and at Lang’ata Hyper off Lang’ata Road, marking a renewed physical presence following a prolonged reorganisation period.
The Unicity Mall branch, which opened in late 2024, is offering essential household goods alongside bakery services. Meanwhile, the Lang’ata Hyper outlet is operating as a mixed-use retail and commercial hub, hosting multiple tenants in addition to Uchumi’s own retail operations.
In a statement shared on social media, Uchumi described the reopening as a symbolic reconnection with customers, portraying the move as the beginning of a revival after years of decline.
Founded in the 1970s and listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in 1992, Uchumi was once a dominant player in the regional retail sector, with operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. However, the chain later faced severe financial difficulties that led to widespread store closures.
The supermarket chain is currently operating under a court-supervised Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), which allows it to continue trading while restructuring its operations and settling obligations with creditors.
As part of the recovery strategy, Uchumi has focused on optimising its real estate assets, including leasing out parts of its properties—such as the Lang’ata site—to generate income and support its turnaround efforts.
The reopening of the two Nairobi outlets represents a measured step in Uchumi’s broader plan to stabilise operations and re-establish its footprint in Kenya’s competitive retail sector.
